RCMP recognized excellence in policing and community service during the Upper Fraser Valley Officer in Charge Awards on April 15th, 2026 at the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre. (Image Credit: RCMP supplied)

By Fraser Valley Today staff

Community Service

RCMP honour 42 for bravery, service at Upper Fraser Valley awards ceremony in Chilliwack

Apr 21, 2026 | 12:30 PM

CHILLIWACK — The RCMP recognized 42 individuals ranging from officers to employees and community members for exceptional service during the annual Upper Fraser Valley Officer in Charge Awards Ceremony April 15 in Chilliwack.

RCMP Superintendent Darren Pankratz, the officer in charge of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment, honoured dozens of recipients for acts of bravery, leadership, innovation and community service.

Excellence in performance awards were highlighted by the role of federal prosecutors. Federal Crown prosecutor Kaitlin Kuefler was commended for her work on a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking case that dated back to 2023. Her preparation and expertise during bail hearings and throughout the prosecution contributed to the conviction and sentencing of four individuals.

Several officers received honours for life-saving actions. In separate incidents in 2025, Constables Glenn Culpepper, Mat Ladouceur and Kyle Haddow performed CPR on individuals in medical distress, helping to revive them before paramedics arrived.

Constables April Bradley and Ryan Pighin along with community member Cadence Born, were recognized for assisting a person in crisis near a bridge in Chilliwack. Their coordinated response helped to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

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Community service awards shone the spotlight on prevention and youth engagement initiatives. Constable Bradley Holditch was recognized for launching the Kids Don’t Float program at Cultus Lake. The program provides free access to life jackets in the name of water safety.

Meantime the Youth Adventures Day Club at Kawkawa Lake was honoured for building positive relationships between at-risk youth and police.

Constables Brad Kelsey and Nicole Richardson were recognized for initiatives supporting vulnerable youth. The initiatives included a winter clothing drive and the first RCMP Youth Career Day in Hope.

Long service medals were presented to Staff Sergeant Paul Vadik for 30 years of service and Sergeant Matthew LaBelle for 20 years.

Among those in attendance were Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, assistant district commander and operations officer for the Lower Mainland District, and Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain, district commander.

by Fraser Valley Today staff

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RCMP honour 42 for bravery, service at Upper Fraser Valley awards ceremony in Chilliwack

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